WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Sunday marked the 18th annual "Be a Tourist in Your Hometown" event which is an appreciation day for county residents.

"Tourists" were able to visit area museums, take a spin on a go cart, play a round of mini golf and even take haunted ghost tours.

Organizers say events like these help locals become tourism ambassadors for the area.

"We see people come here, the actual tourists and they get to have all the fun so it actually let's us have fun for once" says Sharon Edelstein.

Some of New Hanover County's most popular businesses opened their doors free of charge.

"It's a great way for everyone to learn what New Hanover County offers and to be able to come out when its free is a great family day"said Flo Berry, Visitor Coordinator at the Airlie Gardens.

With out a price tag, families were able to hop from attraction to attraction and explore.

"It's a great way to be able to get the kids out and do some things and they can try things that normally you wouldn't want to pay for cause you're not sure if they are going to like it," says Martha McCaskill.

Before having some fun at Jungle rapids, Emily McCaskill and her family took advantage of some of the other sites Wilmington has to offer.

"I went to the Cameron Art Museum and I saw some of the famous painters," said Emily McCaskill.

After their visit to the Cameron Art Museum, Emily's mother is considering looking into some of the Museum's programs.

"They were giving out information about different art programs and things like that so that may be an option this summer for them to do the art camps that they have," said Martha McCaskill.

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